This book is about the terrible history of injustice and discrimination Israel has suffered down through the ages up until the present day. Replacement theology is also discussed. It is the idea that all the promises made to Israel in the Old Testament have been transferred to Christians–that Israel is no longer the chosen people of God. That mind-set has allowed the world to look at the Jewish people as no longer important–and has been used to rationalize atrocious behavior toward Jewish people, and the nation of Israel.
Many modern churches think they should not witness to Jews. Instead, the Jewish people will be “saved” through the Old Testament covenant they had with God. Other Christian churches blame the Jewish people for all manner of things, and believe the Jews and Israel should suffer.
Ms. Teplinsky brings up the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3:
“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
She points out the blessings that have come to nations that have blessed and supported the Jewish people and Israel, as well as, the hard times nations have had to endure when support has not been given. She includes examples in both past and modern times which definitely show a correlation, and should cause much contemplation.
The author relates how irresponsible news reporting has formed many people’s outlook on Israel. It has not been uncommon for the media to present stories with an agenda to make Israel look bad. Ms. Teplinsky gives many examples. That one-sided news reporting has led viewers to form negative, and false outlooks concerning Israel and Jewish people.
Interestingly, the author points out that a sub-group within the Jewish people is discriminated against the very most. They are the Messianic Jews, especially the ones in Israel. Messianic Jews are mistreated on both sides. The rest of the Jewish people are against them because they believe in Jesus. The people in the world that are against Jews and Israel make no distinction between Jews and Messianic Jews, and lump them all together. So Messianic believers get the same punishment or discrimination the rest of the Jewish people do.
The author makes a very good case for why Jewish people are still God’s chosen people, and why they should be respected and supported. Ultimately, she concludes that Israel’s mistreatment is a spiritual matter. She believes that satan has been warring against the Jewish people and Israel since God declared them His chosen people. Ms. Teplinsky believes prayer is the answer for this spiritual warfare. The book contains prayer list suggestions. She wants us to pray for Israel, as well as, the countries around her. In that way, some peace might come to the land until the supreme peace comes to Israel, the peace that will accompany the return of Jesus Christ.
This was an interesting book, but is not light reading. It provides lots of food for thought. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to understand how modern Israel came about, as well as, their existence in today’s world, and give it four stars.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Chosen Books and Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
Author’s website: http://www.lightofzion.org/
Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Light-of-Zion/547308551993867
More information: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/sandra-teplinsky/3770
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